Western Australian police have arrested a 16-year-old boy on suspicion of stabbing his mother to death and seriously injuring his 12-year-old sister in what authorities are treating as a suspected family violence homicide.
Incident Details
Officers were called to a property on Mills Street in Bentley, a suburb of Perth, at approximately 6:15 a.m. local time. Upon arrival, they discovered a 35-year-old woman deceased inside the home. The 12-year-old girl was found about 600 metres away along a busy highway in Cannington, having fled the residence and managed to call police. She sustained serious injuries, believed to be stab wounds.
WA Police Detective Acting Inspector Jessica Securo of the Major Crime Division confirmed that the girl escaped after being allegedly stabbed by her brother. The teenage suspect was taken into custody at a home in Bentley on the same morning.
Investigation and Community Safety
Inspector Securo stated that police are investigating the incident as a suspected family violence homicide, with the homicide squad leading the inquiry. She emphasised that there is no ongoing risk to the wider community. “A 16-year-old male who is the son of the deceased female and the brother of the injured girl has been taken into police custody,” she said.
The injured girl is receiving treatment at Perth Children’s Hospital. Police will examine any past interactions the family had with law enforcement and support services. “That will form part of our investigation, to look at all incidents involving police, support services and what led to this incident occurring,” Inspector Securo added.
Crime Scene and Next Steps
The Mills Street property remained cordoned off as a crime scene on Tuesday, with detectives conducting door-to-door inquiries in the neighbourhood. “As part of this process, investigators will examine all available evidence and speak with relevant witnesses,” Detective Securo said. No charges have been filed at this stage, and the investigation continues.
